Written about 1599 and first published in 1623, As You Like It features the story of Rosalind, one of Shakespeare's most powerful female characters.   In the company of her cousin and trusted friend Celia,  she flees from the court of her villainous uncle Frederick, and takes refuge in the Forest of Arden.  Disguised as a male under the name of Ganymede, she encounters another refugee from Fredrick's court,  Orlando, a young gentleman who has fallen in love with Rosalind.   Ganymede befriends Orlando and sets out to teach him how to woo effectively.  Rosalind, in her role as Gannymede, also becomes mentor to some local rustics in the ways of love.

Regarding the extent of her influence in the drama,  the only other female Shakespearean character that Rosalind can be compared with is Portia in The Merchant of Venice.  In both cases, the women emerge from a position of distinct disadvantage to become commanders of the action.

As You Like It has remained one of the most popular and frequently performed of Shakespeare's plays.

Orlando - Andrew Coleman

Oliver - Ron Altman

Rosalind - PJ Morgan

Celia - Elizabeth Klett

Touchstone - Alan Weyman

Duke Senior - Bob Neufeld

Jacques - Jeff Moon

First Lord - Brett Downey

Second Lord - Brian Mansi

Corin - Marty Kris

Silvius - Jeff Moon

Phoebe - Libby Stephenson

Second Brother/Sir Oliver Martext/Charles - Joseph Tabler

First Page - Charlotte Duckett

Duke Frederick/William/2nd Page/Adam - Peter Tucker

Amiens - Leanne Yau

Le Beau/Dennis - Denis Daly

Audrey/Hymen - K G Cross

Stage directions read by Michele Eaton

Audio edited by Denis Daly

Cover design by Denis Daly

Song in Act 5 - 

"It was a lover and his lass" 

Performed by Rebecca Thomas

The script for this recording was kindly provided by Folger Digital Texts.

Concluding dance music: excerpt from Ancient Airs and Dances, Suite No.1 - 4. Passo mezzo e mascherada by Ottorino Respighi, performed by the United States Marine Band.

This recording may be freely downloaded and distributed, as long as the Online Stage is credited as the author.  It may not be used for commercial purposes or distributed in an edited or remixed form.

The Online Stage is collective of narrators and actors who have come together to present productions of classic dramatic works in audio format.  For further information about The Online Stage or to explore our catalogue please visit: